Bank hostages freed, situation still unclear

Staff members who were held hostage at the ABSA bank on Adderley Street were freed and received trauma counselling on the scene.

It is believed the gang of about four armed men stormed into the bank shortly after it opened on Saturday morning.

It is unclear if the suspects, who were demanding money, were arrested or managed to escape.
Police and ABSA officials refuse to comment on the matter, however authorities are still keeping a close watch on the scene.

One eyewitness in a neighbouring building on the street described the scene to Eyewitness News.

“Opposite the bank the people are lining the street. Police have cordoned off part of Adderley Street.
The bomb squad has arrived as well. I’m in a building opposite the
bank. I feel for the people who were in the bank because they came to
work today and now they’re being held hostage,” he said.- Eyewitness News